The Trump administration has once more threatened a new round of Section 301 tariffs on imported goods from Europe. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer proposed new tariffs on $11 billion in imports from European Union countries. Unlike previously announced tariffs on steel and goods from China, however, these are compensation for what the U.S. says are illegal subsidies given to Airbus, the aerospace manufacturer. In a complicated case, the World Trade Organization ruled that the U.S. could impose tariffs, which the U.S. has estimated will total $11 billion on items ranging from aerospace products to swordfish to bed linens. The matter is currently under review by a WTO arbitrator, with a report expected this summer.

The new proposed tariffs are in addition to those imposed on steel and aluminum and threatened on auto exports.   The amount of the new duties has not yet been determined. Public hearings on the proposed tariffs will begin in May.

See the proposed list of goods affected HERE.

In this rapidly changing environment, we are advising clients to consider the following:

• Know whether your imports are affected and decide what you’re going to do about it.
• If you have a question about whether your products are affected by the tariffs, we may be able to help. We can tell you what impact the tariffs will have on your shipments, and help you file an exemption.
• Don’t panic, but also don’t ignore the possible significant impact to your business.

This continues to be a very fluid situation, and we are here to help you find the proper course of action.

Contact me if we can be of help and check back on our website at www.wbskinner.com for frequent updates.